Strathmore Bristol 500 paper
" Created in 1893, this 100% cotton bristol is an industry standard "
Taken from the official website at: www.strathmoreartist.com
SURFACES: Medium (Vellum) - Ultra-Smooth (Plate) - Slightly Textured (Semi-Smooth)
MEDIA APPLICATIONS:
Plate surface: technical pen, pen & ink, marker, airbrush, mechanical pencils
Vellum surface: graphite pencil, coloured pencil, charcoal, sketching stick, pen & ink, marker, soft pastel, mixed media, oil
pastel, light wash and collage
Slightly textured surface: pen and ink, pencil, specialty pens and markers
MEDIA APPLICATIONS:
Plate surface: technical pen, pen & ink, marker, airbrush, mechanical pencils
Vellum surface: graphite pencil, coloured pencil, charcoal, sketching stick, pen & ink, marker, soft pastel, mixed media, oil
pastel, light wash and collage
Slightly textured surface: pen and ink, pencil, specialty pens and markers
GSM: 2, 3 & 4 ply |
ARCHIVAL: YES |
ACID FREE: YES |
LIGHTFAST: YES |
costs: RRP From: £6.25 - £25 (Single sheet)
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Plate surface
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Magnified images of each paper allowing you to see the difference between each.
Plate Surface - Smooth
Plate surface has an ultra-smooth finish that is unsurpassed for detailed work with technical pen, airbrush, mechanical pencils, pen & ink and marker.
Bristol ultra smooth is ideal for graphite as it allows you to blend smoothly and as it is available in three weights with the thickest being 520gsm, it is ideal for artists who like to layer extensively.
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Vellum surface - Textured
Vellum surface has a toothy finish that is excellent for graphite pencil, coloured pencil, charcoal, sketching stick, pen & ink, marker, soft pastel and oil pastel as well as pen, airbrush, light wash and mixed media.
Bristol Vellum is, in my opinion, the best choice out of the two for coloured pencil portraits. A paper with a tooth, helps grab pigment far better than a smooth paper. I also found that colours look more vibrant on this paper than the smooth option.
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"For graphite drawing I use smooth bristol. This comes in many brands, surfaces, and sizes. It can be found in pads and single sheets. I think I’ve tried them all ... for my high quality, professional work I use what I think is the Cadillac of bristol. It’s the 500 series, 4-ply (520gsm), 100% cotton, smooth bristol by Strathmore. It’s sold in large, single sheets. It’s a little pricey due to the cotton and the thickness, but it’s worth the cost. It produces a very smooth blend, and it won’t deteriorate or yellow with time"
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Strathmore papers - How do they compare to the 500 series
The Strathmore Bristol 500 paper is just one type of paper in a series. The video below explains each series and what each paper is suitable for. As always, this is a simple guide. Would you want a 3 year old drawing on expensive paper such as the Bristol 500? You would if you wanted to frame and display it for many years to come.
Where can you buy the paper?
UK stock update: May 2021
For anyone looking to purchase this paper from the 'artists papers' website in the UK (direct link above), please note the following.
We contacted the company having noted that their website has had no stock available to purchase, instead stating they are 'expecting stock in 4 - 6 weeks'. This notice has been on the website for months, so we contacted them about it.
We were told by a representative that discussions were taking place about the "future plans of the website" and that "stock levels are being left at the moment". Whatever they decide in the future, if you see a product on their website that you wish to order, but are unable to purchase, we suggest that you contact the company direct as we did. They may actually have stock available and will update the product on the website to allow you to order.
We hope that artists papers continue to sell the Bristol 500 as we are unaware of any other company selling it in the UK (We know of one, but we prefer to promote smaller/medium businesses). If you have a business in the UK that sells this paper, please get in touch, we would be happy to attach a link to your website on this page.
